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Hazardous Incident Team Responds to Spill

December 19, 2011

The Madison Fire Department Hazardous Incident Team (HIT) responded to a spill at the Biochemistry Building on the UW Campus this morning. At 10:13 am Engine 4 was called to investigate a fire alarm sounding in the building. Upon arrival they met with UW Police who advised them of a chemical spill in a laboratory. The call was quickly upgraded to a hazardous materials incident and additional units responded.

The HIT personnel donned protective equipment and entered the lab to monitor the air quality and identify the chemicals. The team's research branch identified the materials' properties and hazards. Based on this information, team members used absorbents to contain the spill. Fire department fans were used in conjunction with the building's ventilation system to remove chemical vapors.

The HIT team remained on scene until the air quality in the building was within acceptable limits. The UW Safety Department will handle clean up and disposal of the spilled materials.

One person in the lab received a minor cut and was treated by paramedics at the scene. The building was evacuated during the incident and a portion of Linden Drive was closed while units worked on scene.